NEC announces new energy-efficient monitors

Eric Franklin | Oct 02, 2009

(Credit: NEC)

Energy-efficient computer monitors are seemingly the new black. With each new press release vendors never fail to mention how much power their products use, or more specifically, don't use. Nothing wrong with that, really; I'm just usually skeptical of manufacturer's claims. Which is why CNET does its own power efficiency testing. Check out our green guide to get a glimpse of the lengths we go through.

In keeping with the latest trend, on Thursday, NEC announced three new "energy-efficient" computer monitors. I put "energy-efficient" in quotes 'cause, you know, I've yet to actually test them.

The monitors include the 19-inch AS191 (4:3 aspect ratio), 19-inch widescreen AS191WM and 22-inch widescreen AS221WM.

According to NEC, each monitor consumes up to 48 percent less energy than their predecessors, their predecessors being previous versions of the Accusync line I'm guessing.

The AS191WM and AS221WM also include ECO Modes, which in past NEC monitors has basically capped the monitor's brightness at about 50 percent.

Other features included in each monitor:

VGA and DVI connectivity

Up to 1,000:1 contrast ratio

5ms fast response time

Touch integratable (AS191WM and AS221WM only)

Down-firing speakers with headphone jack (AS191WM and AS221WM only)

The AS221WM will begin shipping in the US in October 2009 with an estimated street price of US$249. The AS191 and AS191WM will begin shipping in November 2009 with an estimated street price of US$199 and US$189. Good to see NEC is keeping the prices relatively low.

The displays will ship with a standard three-year parts-and-labor warranty, including the backlight.

Via CNET Crave

Filed under: Green Tech, PC & Peripherals
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